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Animal Carvings from Mounds of the Mississippi Valley / Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 117-166 cover

Animal Carvings from Mounds of the Mississippi Valley / Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 117-166

By Henry W. Henshaw
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About This Book

A systematic study examines animal-shaped carvings and effigies recovered from Mississippi Valley mounds, identifying and cataloging specimens such as otter, manatee, various birds and serpents while critiquing earlier misidentifications of tropical species. It analyzes anatomical detail and illustrations, assesses the technical skill of the sculptors, explores possible totemic meanings, describes prominent earthworks including elephant- and alligator-shaped mounds, surveys human-form sculptures, and compares mound-builder decorative art with historically documented Native artistry before offering conservative general conclusions.

About the Author

Henshaw, Henry W. portrait

Henry W. Henshaw

Henry W. Henshaw was an American ethnologist and naturalist known for his contributions to the study of Native American cultures and archaeology. His notable work, "Animal Carvings from Mounds of the Mississippi Valley," is part of the Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology, published in 1883. In this report, Henshaw examines the intricate animal carvings found in ancient mounds, providing valuable insights into the artistic expressions and cultural practices of the indigenous peoples of the Mississippi Valley. His research has contributed to the understanding of prehistoric art and the significance of these artifacts in American history.

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